Leading technology in slow tidal currents - a vast field of use - dependable and clean energy resource

The Valorka turbines are a new technology, intended to harness the vast power of tides in the coastal areas. Not only the fast flowing currents within narrow fjords and straits, but also the slower currents by capes and shallows. Latest steps in development confirm these expectations. The Valorka turbines got the approval of the IFIA as the world´s best when granted the International Inventors Awards in 2009.

The Valorka turbines are in many ways different from the propeller type turbines, most commonly being developed. They are intended to harness currents of less velocity than 2 m/sec, even less than 1 m/sec, while propeller-type turbines need a current velocity in excess of 2,5 m/sec. Such strong currents are only found in relatively few channels while Valorka turbines may be used in wide areas outside the coasts all over the world. Since such slow currents are not as rich in energy, the turbines must be cheaper in production and use. This is a challenge which calls for a new approach in development. At the present Valorka is in the forefront of this technology. The primary goals of the Valorka turbines design are „usefulness, simplicity and rugged design“. This kind of turbines is sometimes referred to as „crossflow turbines“. More on the technology here....

Along with this development program, Valorka ehf is planning a research program. This is the pioneering project of measuring velocity and behaviour of tidal currents all around Iceland´s coast. The goal is to gather enough information to evaluate this energy source as a whole, and at the same time to find the places most suitable for tidal plant operation. The Icelandic government has been watching this initiative closely and is now forming a governmental strategy on ocean energy, based on the pioneering work of Valorka.